Why Did the Opposition Criticize the Maha Government After Contractor's Suicide?

Mumbai, July 24 (NationPress) Opposition factions have criticized the Mahayuti administration following the tragic suicide of a young engineer-contractor, Harshal Patil, from Walwa tehsil in Sangli district. Patil took his life after not being paid Rs 1.40 crore by the government for his work under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He had incurred debts of Rs 65 lakh from a private lender, which exacerbated his stress due to the pending payment.

This incident occurs amidst rising demands from contractors who have been advocating for timely payments of their outstanding dues, which total over Rs 80,000 crore.

Former minister and NCP(SP) Legislative Party leader, Jayant Patil, representing Sangli district, condemned the government for its failure to disburse payments to contractors. He noted that he had previously warned the government in the legislature that further delays could lead to contractors resorting to suicide, similar to the plight of farmers.

“Disillusioned by the government’s empty promises of employment, the children of common farmers have turned to contracting. The government has shattered the dreams of a young man striving for a better future. In its pursuit of electoral victories, the state has distributed contracts without ensuring adequate funding. Contractors statewide are now pleading for their overdue payments. This crisis spans all departments, indicating a lack of concern for the families supported by contractors,” stated Patil.

In response, Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Sanjay Raut accused the Mahayuti government of transforming the state into a “cremation ground.” He described Harshal Patil's suicide as a serious offense and questioned the awareness of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers regarding the suffering of families of those who have taken their lives recently.

“What led Harshal Patil to take such a drastic step? Why was the payment for the Jal Jeevan Mission work delayed? Who is accountable?” he queried.

Raut emphasized, “Is it true that the government cannot pay Rs 1.40 crore to Harshal Patil? With contractors' bills accumulating to Rs 80,000 crore, many have resorted to suicide or attempted self-immolation in protest. Meanwhile, government officials are seemingly indifferent to this crisis.”

Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar also criticized the government, stating, “While farmers face suicide, contractors are now pushed to the edge as well. The government rolls out the red carpet for large contractors, while smaller ones see their payments delayed. Is this what justice looks like?”

The NCP(SP) legislator Jitendra Awhad remarked on the government’s financial struggles due to excessive funding of unsustainable programs like the Ladki Bahin Yojana, leading to stalled payments for countless contractors across various departments. “The reality is that the government simply lacks the funds to clear these dues,” he said.

“Today, Harshal Patil has died, but how many more innocent individuals will fall victim to this tragic cycle? This is not merely a financial issue—it reflects a grave administrative failure. The promises made to win elections have not been supported by adequate financial management. Harshal Patil's death is not just a personal tragedy; it serves as a stark warning. The government, administration, and society must address this issue with urgency,” Awhad cautioned.